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10 Life Lessons We Can Take From Defra Exempt Wood Burner
The Benefits of DEFRA Exempt Wood Burners

DEFRA approved wood burning stoves are a fantastic option for homeowners who live within smoke control areas. These log burners have been tested thoroughly and can operate within strict guidelines.

Stoves that are approved will bear an 'SE' which stands for Smoke Exempt. They can only be used in areas with smoke control in the event of burning approved fuels from Defra such as wood or manufactured smokeless fuels.

Smoke Exempt

DEFRA exempted stoves that burn wood or Defra-approved stoves are made to comply with the Department of Environment (DEFRA's) regulations. The stoves were tested and inspected to ensure that they efficiently burn fuel and produce little or no smoke. These stoves emit low levels of carbon dioxide and their efficiency of combustion permits them to re-burn combustibles that have been burned partially such as soot and ash before they escape down your chimney.

If you live in a city or large town that is classified as a Smoke Control Area then it's crucial that your stove is DEFRA exempt and can be used with authorised fuels. Smoke from your chimney is a crime when you don't use an exempt appliance, or fuels that are approved. Defra exempt stoves are also better for your chimney because they burn fuel more effectively and produce less smoke, meaning your chimney and flue stay cleaner for longer.

We have a great selection of Defra exempt stoves made by the top manufacturers in the world such as Stovax and Arada. We only provide the highest quality products and you can rest assured that your new stove will be safe and a reliable addition to your home.

There is a common misconception that you must purchase a Defra exempt stove if you live in a smoke-free zone however this isn't the situation. You can still put an un-DEFRA stove in your house provided that it has a 6" (150mm) flue liner, and only use it with authorised briquettes or other smokeless fuels.

If you want to ensure that you can legally burn wood in your DEFRA exempt stove, then we recommend that you select one of our Defra approved models. These stoves have been designed to meet the strict environmental standards and have been tested and certified to be DEFRA exempt, which means that they only emit minimal amounts of smoke. These stoves are also more efficient than the older models, so you can heat the property using less wood logs. You can choose from a range of Defra models in a vast range of styles and colours.

Clean Burn

Open fires and wood-burning stoves produce smoke which can have a negative effect on the health of those living at home and people living nearby. This is due to the fine particulates in the smoke are known to cause respiratory issues such as asthma. Luckily, modern DEFRA exempt stoves have been designed to drastically reduce these negative impacts.

The wood burners have been thoroughly tested and inspected in order to ensure they meet Department of Environment regulations. They also have been designed to burn fuel more efficiently, meaning that they emit less pollution. These stoves also emit clear, clear vapour instead of the dark smoke that is typically associated with older open fires and stoves that burn logs.

Modern DEFRA-exempt stoves feature secondary and tertiary mechanisms that are responsible for the smaller smoke particles. This means that the air in the combustion chamber is constantly being circulated, making it much more difficult for the particles to escape into the chimney.

This also means you must only use approved fuels in your DEFRA-exempt wood stove (such dry firewood that has been seasoned). These modern stoves have an airflow system that keeps the combustion chamber clean, reducing soot and permitting gas to escape easily from the flue.

According to Defra, a new approved wood stove by DEFRA that has an EcoDesign baffle can produce 450 times less pollutants than traditional stoves that burn wood or open fire. Installing fireplacesandstove.com of these efficient, modern stoves in a Smoke Control Area is crucial to protect your health as well as the health of your neighbors.

Alternately, you can set up a DEFRA Approved multi-fuel stove and make use of a variety of fuels including peat, briquettes, and other types of manufactured solid fuels that are available for purchase in supermarkets. It is recommended to only burn 'Ready To Burn" dry wood that is seasoned. Do not burn painted or treated wood because they create more pollution than untreated timber.

Easy Maintenance

A DEFRA exempt wood burning stove is simple to maintain, with a regular cleaning and maintenance check which will ensure that it lasts for longer. These stoves also are very efficient, offering cost savings on your heating bills and reducing fuel consumption by up to 50 percent. The emissions generated by these stoves are significantly lower than other types of stoves, and they offer a greener alternative to fossil fuels.

These types of wood stoves are very easy to set up and are suitable for homes of all sizes particularly if you live in an urban zone. They have passed Defra tests, which means they can be used legally in smoke control zones, without breaking the law and risking a hefty fine.

Defra approved wood stoves are often more affordable than other stoves due to their advanced combustion technology that makes sure that the fire burns effectively. This means that there are fewer particles and carbon monoxide being released into the air, which is great news for your health and the health of your family members.

In addition, DEFRA exempt stoves have been certified by a variety of initiatives like the Clearskies scheme and Ecodesign This means that they meet rigorous emission and efficiency standards. You may see these certifications displayed on the stoves we sell, and will give you peace of mind that you're buying eco-friendly and safe model.

Stoves Direct offers a large selection of Defra-exempt stoves, including many traditional designs that are ideal for an inglenook or a fireplace chamber. We also offer sleek, modern options that go well with simple mantles or surrounds. If you're considering buying one of our Defra-exempt wood burning stoves it's important to consider the style you'd like to have for your home, and how it will blend with the decor.

A Defra exempt stove is the only kind of log burner that you can legally use in a Smoke Control Area, and it will save you from having to pay a fine if find yourself in the middle of a illegal wood-burning fire. The stove is also a good choice for those looking to cut down their carbon footprint. The wood of the tree absorbs CO2 as it grows and releases it back into the atmosphere when it is burned.

Ideal for Smoke Control Areas

It is important to have a wood-burning stove that has been approved by DEFRA in UK cities and towns. This means that it has passed the rigorous tests and is legal to use in these areas. These tests ensure the air is not contaminated by the combustion particles produced by the stove. These toxins are what cause the dark smoke frequently seen from chimneys in smoke control areas and they can have a negative effect on health, as well as being a nuisance to neighbours.

Local councils have also enacted laws to control the problem by prohibiting the use open fireplaces as well as non-DEFRA-exempt appliances. However, the good part is that you can still install a stove in your home if it's DEFRA exempt and you only burn approved fuel.

Stoves that have been approved to be used in Smoke Control Areas will be marked and tested to ensure that they are in compliance with the strict emission and efficiency standards. The stoves that are Defra-exempt are also more sustainable compared to other types of woodburners, as they use advanced secondary and tertiary burning systems that reduce their carbon footprint.

The simplest way to find out whether you live in a smoke-free zone is to contact your local council and ask them for more information. You can also look up the address of your home online. However, it's best to speak with your local council for more details.


Even if you don't reside in the Smoke Control Area a Defra-exempt wood burning stove can be a wise investment. It is more eco friendly and friendly to neighbors. A Defra-approved stove will also produce less smoke, which can keep your chimney and flue cleaner for a longer time. For this reason, most top stove manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax have a range of smokeless models that are DEFRA exempt and won't be affected by the new legislation.

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